ANN ARBOR -- Jim Harbaugh reintroduced stickers on Michigan football helmets when he took over as head coach in 2015. Last season, players took the field with some combination of stickers representing their jersey number, the program’s total number of wins, and various other personal and team achievements.
A new sticker was created this summer bearing the letters EUTM.
It’s an acronym for one of Harbaugh’s favorite sayings, and several players have earned the sticker.
On Tuesday, Harbaugh spoke about the vibrant vibe surrounding this year’s team. The back-to-back Big Ten champs have their sights on even bigger things for 2023. They’re a focused, determined bunch, and Harbaugh enjoys coaching them.
“I’ve tried to make guys love football, have enthusiasm, attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind -- everything in my power,” Harbaugh said. “And I’ve come to the realization that it’s got to come from the individual, no matter how hard you try.
“There’s not a guy right now in the junior, senior, (or) fifth-year class that I can point to and say they aren’t doing everything they should -- taking any and every opportunity and trying to maximize it; being trusted agents and known friends.”
Harbaugh’s dad, Jack, came up with “attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.” Harbaugh’s been saying it since he got to Michigan -- a photo book chronicling his first season used it as the title. This year, he decided to turn the back half of the phrase to an acronym and a new helmet sticker.
He even decided to have a floor-to-ceiling poster installed inside Schembechler Hall for the Wolverine who best exemplified the mantra.
“I looked at every player, every coach -- even considered myself,” Harbaugh said with a laugh. “By the power vested in me as the head coach, the poster person for enthusiasm unknown to mankind for the 2023 year is Kris Jenkins.”
Jenkins is a senior defensive lineman who is a preseason All-Big Ten first-team selection per Pro Football Focus. ESPN projects him as a first-round NFL draft pick next year. He’s not only performing on the field in a traditional sense, but bringing plenty of positive energy as well.
Harbaugh noted that other players have earned the sticker too, including offensive stars such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, among a few others. Harbaugh was impressed that a freshman -- tight end Zack Marshall -- received one as well.
These Wolverines are enthusiastic, and nothing could make their head coach happier.